England Faces Setback as Smith is Unlikely to Play in Initial ODIs Against India

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is anticipated to miss the first two One Day Internationals (ODIs) against India this week due to a calf injury sustained during the third T20 match in Rajkot on January 28. This injury forced him to leave the field early, resulting in his absence from the remaining matches of the T20 series, which concluded with India decisively winning 4-1.

The three-match ODI series kicks off in Nagpur on Thursday at 08:00 GMT, with the second match scheduled for Sunday and the final clash occurring on February 12. These ODIs serve as the last competitive fixtures for England ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against Australia on February 22. With all teams required to finalize their Champions Trophy squads the same day as the last ODI, Smith's injury may complicate England's plans.

Despite Smith's setback, veteran Joe Root has rejoined the squad for the ODI segment of the tour. However, England's batting lineup will largely mirror the one that struggled during the T20 series. In Smith's absence, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett are expected to take the opening positions, while Root slots in at number three, marking his first 50-over international appearance since the 2023 World Cup.

Leading the middle order will be captain Jos Buttler, alongside talents like Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. Notably, spinner Rehan Ahmed, who was originally selected only for the T20s, has been added to the ODI squad, providing an interesting option alongside fellow leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

On the other hand, India has fortified their lineup by introducing spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who excelled in the T20 series as the top wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an impressive average of 9.85. India is also set to welcome back key players, including captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. However, there will be no place for Abhishek Sharma, who had notable success in the fifth T20 in Mumbai.

As the teams gear up for this important ODI series, England will be keen to adapt without Smith and showcase resilience against a strong Indian side.